Unholy Night: A Paranormal Holiday Romance

by Karpov Kinrade

  With a little magic I alter his appearance. I take a step back and study my handiwork. He still looks off--but Mandy will love it.

  Lyla frowns, but I shrug. “You’ll thank me for this one day. And I promise you won’t have to worry about anything.”

  We stand facing each other for an awkward moment. I’ve never been tongue-tied before and it’s not a pleasant experience.

  “So, do you have any more questions?” I ask, stalling our final goodbyes.

  She shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I mean, I’ll probably think of a million the minute you leave but… but I can’t think right now.”

  I take a step toward her, breathing in the sadness and loss I can already smell on her. It mirrors my own emotions. I want to keep her, to keep them, so much I feel as if I’m ripping myself in two.

  “Thank you,” I say. “For your help. For allowing me to meet your beautiful little girl. For bringing magic back to my life as well.”

  Before she can respond, I lean in to taste her one more time, to claim her lips before I disappear forever.

  13

  Lyla

  I glance at the clock and can’t even find the energy to frown. I’m exhausted on so many levels. Our magical night has come to an end. Lucifer swept into our lives and out… in less than a minute. I watch as the clock ticks and it turns over to two minutes past midnight. A minute past the moment I first heard two legendary creatures arguing in my living room. More magic.

  I thought things were bad then.

  And now… I don’t know if I feel better or worse. Somehow better… but also lonelier.

  I look at where Mandy is curled on the couch, her arm wrapped over the largest, quite possibly ugliest dog I’ve ever seen. Thanks to some demonic magic, the tiniest Hellhound now looks like the largest, derpyest, pug in the world. His snores are the loudest sound in the apartment. Possibly the loudest sounds in the entire apartment building. It was stupid to agree so readily, but how could I say no, after all the bonds my child made with Satan, his demons and his Hellhounds?

  So here I stand in a velvet leotard, the glow of Christmas lights from the tree filling the room, and an emptiness in my heart I hadn’t known could be so vast.

  That’s when I see the snow globe sitting on my coffee table. It wasn’t there before. I inch closer, taking it from the table to study it, my emotions catching in my throat when I see what’s inside. The intricate detail is incredible. It’s a moment caught in time. An exact replica of our kiss under the mistletoe, with Mandy and Gurch in the background. Lucifer looks as lost in me as I do in him. I hold it to my heart and a tear trickles down my cheek. Yes, there is an emptiness in my heart, but I will try to fill it with the memories of our time spent together. Those moments where I felt as if I was the only thing that mattered to him, those moments when his eyes shone brighter when looking at Mandy. Of demons dressed in elf suits. Of Mandy commanding a team of Hellhounds and giggling like a fiend. Of the kiss…

  A sob breaks free from my chest and I cover my mouth and sink to the floor, my back against the couch. Tears slip past my eyelashes, sliding down my cheeks.

  I shouldn’t be sad. It was an amazing night, full of the impossible. It was one night. Just one night. Or had it been? How long were we truly in Hell or at Santa’s Village? What about the time spent in the sleigh? It feels so much longer than one night. And yet my clock says it was only one minute. One minute in which my entire life changed. How did the King of Hell steal my heart in under a minute? How will Mandy feel in the morning when she realizes we’ll never see him again? A man she gave her trust to after all of the hurt and pain her father dealt her. A man who showed us magic is real? A man who lives in a fairytale castle while helping souls work off their sins. A man--an angel--the devil, who has one of the most important jobs ever.

  Of course he had to get back to hell. Of course we mortals can’t go with him. Of course we can’t keep him. Of course I can’t have him.

  I cradle the snow globe closer to my chest and press my hand harder against my mouth to muffle my crying. I will not wake my daughter with my selfishness on such a special night.

  I sit here for what feels like hours, staring at the tree through my tears. The presents have multiplied, wrapped haphazardly in acid green and blood red. It seems the demons made an appearance at our tiny apartment. For some odd reason, the image of demons scurrying around my apartment snaps me back to my senses and I fight a giggle.

  I’m tired, so tired. I crawl onto the couch, snuggling between the cushions and Mandy. Rudolph lifts his head to look at me, before running his slobbery tongue across my cheek and settling back into place. I wrap an arm around my daughter and bury my face against her shoulder. No matter what I face when I wake up, I have my daughter, and I can survive anything as long as I have her.

  I wake to the sound of a giggle and the whine of a puppy.

  “Shhh! Mommy is still sleeping!”

  A loud thump, scramble, and squeal has me jerking into a sitting position and looking around the room wildly.

  “Now you’ve done it,” Mandy warns. She’s glaring at the dog, but I know what that whine means. I scramble to my feet and run toward the door, almost tripping on a couch pillow and discarded throw blanket.

  “Shoes!” I scramble for the ones I kicked off last night. “He needs to go out!”

  “You were asleep! I told him he had to wait.” Mandy stands up and pulls on snow boots. “I can’t go outside alone!” She is running toward the door when I realize I’m still in what basically amounts to a velvet cat-suit, a la Naughty Christmas style.

  “Wait! Go get a grocery bag!” I fumble around with the coat rack looking for something long enough to cover my butt.

  “Grocery bag?” Mandy pauses.

  “You have to clean up after Rudolph.” I slide my feet into boots and zip up the parka I pull on.

  “Ewwww.” Mandy’s face twists into horror. “Mommy, does Rudolph make normal poops?”

  “I guess we’re gonna find out.” She returns from the kitchen stuffing a plastic bag into her pocket. I look down at the dog. His tongue is hanging out the side of his mouth and his eyes look to be on the verge of panic. At least he waited this long, and didn’t just do his business on my carpet. “Hold on Rudolph, we’re going.”

  We manage to make the trip outside and to the park next door without any issues. No one is out to notice Mandy’s emo elf outfit or the incredibly unnatural dog leading our way. In fact, it’s oddly quiet. That’s when it hits me. It’s Christmas morning.

  Once back in the apartment, Mandy barely slows to kick off her boots before scrambling to the tree.

  “Mommy! Can we open presents? Can we?” Rudolph sits next to her, stubby tail steadily thumping against the carpet. They are already attached at the hip. “There are ones with your name and Rudolph's name too!”

  Rudolph yip-growls in agreement and I shush him. The last thing I want to deal with is complaints from neighbors.

  “Yes!” I sit down next to Mandy as she excitedly starts sorting gifts. To my surprise there are a few for me as well. Even Rudolph has a pile of his own. “Well, go for it!” I encourage her.

  She starts with my gifts, oohing and awwing over the new jeans and sweater I’d managed to buy during a holiday special. She’s growing so fast. She really needs more than just the one pair, but this is what I can afford. The rest of the gifts are smaller. A sketch pad, some new coloring pencils, a stuffed bear with dopey eyes similar to Rudolph’s. She loves everything she opens, careful to make sure I know how much she appreciates each new treasure. I try to not cry at her show of gratitude. It hurts this is all I’m able to do for her. Mandy deserves everything this world has to offer.

  “Mom! You have presents too! Open mine first though!” She presses a package into my hands. I look down and it’s wrapped in birthday paper she must’ve found shoved in a closet somewhere.

  Carefully I undo the paper and pull out the picture frame made of popsicle sticks
and bits of crafts supplies. Where she found the picture to put inside, I have no idea. It’s of the day she was born, just me and her and I’m smiling larger than I can remember ever smiling. If I count, I can probably see every tooth in my mouth. Underneath the picture in glue and gold glitter, ‘Number 1 Mom’ is written.

  “Do you like it? I used the rest of the gold glitter on this, that’s why we had to use silver for Satan Claus’ letter.”

  My chin wobbles as I trace my fingers gently over the picture. “I love it.”

  Setting it aside, I wrap my arms around her and pull her into my lap. She barely fits anymore, but I pepper her face with kisses just like I did when she was a toddler. She squirms and complains until I throw in some tickles too, which cause her to giggle. We’re interrupted when Rudolph tries to fit in my lap too, causing both of us to laugh when he seems bewildered why he doesn’t fit.

  “Love you, Mommy.” Mandy throws her arms around my neck then quickly jumps out of my lap. “Now! Open the other presents!”

  Without waiting she rips into the waiting gifts with glee, little squeals of excitement as she finds gifts I wouldn’t have been able to afford even if I still had my job. A game console with games. I pick one up and glance at the cover and am thankful they’re age appropriate.

  “Mommy! Open some of yours too! I’ll help Rudolph.” Indeed, the hound has a pile of his own presents, one that is bone-shaped and already sporting signs of chewing and drool.

  “Okay.” I surreptitiously wipe the tears from my eyes and open the nearest gift, careful to keep Mandy’s close. I try to not gasp when I see the luxurious bottles of skin care products I only dreamed about and the lotions that cost a small fortune.

  “Are those nice?” Mandy pauses to look at me in curiosity. “They don’t look like the ones you normally use.”

  “More than nice.” I open one of the bottles and take a delicate sniff. “These are the kinds of things only really rich people use.”

  “Good! You’re already so pretty, you’ll probably look so amazing after using those Mr. Lucifer won’t be able to look away!” With that she returns to her stack of presents.

  I push away the pain her comment brings and instead focus on what I received. Even if I never see Lucifer again, I will remember our magical night every time I use these, and feel even more magnificent.

  After that, the presents continue to grow in expense, clothes, shoes, things I’ve denied myself for years, all ending with a bracelet of rubies flashing with fire. They’re even warm to the touch as I lift the bracelet from the box. I bring it close to my eyes in astonishment. Real rubies are often cloudy, not the crystal clear red stones people like to call rubies. Maybe they aren’t rubies after all, maybe they’re some sort of special stone you can only find in Hell.

  “Ooooh.” Mandy leans over and studies the bracelet. “It looks like there is a little bit of fire in each one.”

  “It really does.” I nod. Maybe there really is a little piece of fire in each stone, given who it’s from. Who knows? And the thought of having something that was made in hell makes me smile. Which would have sounded insane yesterday. But today I know how precious stones from Hell are, that they are created by souls wanting to be better.

  I place the bracelet back in the box and carefully tuck it with the frame Mandy made. After I’m sure they’re safe I turn to Mandy and the giant pug. “Now, show me what you two got!”

  Rudolph turns his head as if understanding and shows off a studded collar, obviously proud. He also has a matching leash and food bowls. And food. Someone in Hell is clearly a planner and I have a feeling I owe Fuchsia a thank you.

  By the time every present has been unwrapped and carefully examined all three of our stomachs are rumbling. Laughing at Mandy’s attempt to drag the dog food to the kitchen, I follow behind her with Rudolph's new bowls while the dog himself keeps pushing at Mandy’s legs as if to hurry her along. In the kitchen we put down a towel, because I’m certain Rudolph is not going to be a neat eater, and set up his bowls.

  While Mandy feeds her new best friend I turn to the fridge and frown. There isn’t much for us to eat and there certainly won’t be any large Christmas breakfast. But there is cereal and just enough milk to feed Mandy, and I take that as a small sort of win. I grab a bowl before opening my pantry and come to an instantaneous halt. It is full. Every shelf is lined with food. Canned goods, different types of cereal, even a bag of potatoes meet my eyes. Real potatoes. Not the flaky kind that comes in a box. Bread, bagels, and rice fill just one shelf. Stacked neatly on the floor are paper goods and more dog food.

  “What’s wrong, Mommy?” Mandy comes to stand next to me. “When did we get all of that? Oh my god! Look! It’s the chocolate loop cereal I’ve been asking for! Can I have that for breakfast? Please?”

  I don’t answer her. Instead I close the door and walk to the refrigerator.

  “Mommy?” Mandy trails behind me. “Can I have the cereal?”

  “Just a minute, bunny.” I grab the handle and slowly open the door. I let out my breath and stare at the full shelves. Eggs, milk, butter, fresh meat, vegetables, and fruit. There’s even yogurt. How do they know the types of yogurt we like?

  I lift my hand to my mouth and whirl to the counter where my stack of unpaid bills sat last night. They are gone. Tears fill my eyes. I know if I call the companies I will have zero balances.

  “Mommy?” Mandy watches me with worry. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” I reach out and pull her to me. Her little arms wrap around my waist and she presses her face against my stomach. “I’m very much okay.”

  “Did Mr. Lucifer give us all this food?”

  “I think so, bunny.” I let go with one hand and wipe the tears from my face. When did he have time to plan this? When did it occur to him to do this for us? “Maybe with some help from his friends.”

  “I really like Mr. Lucifer. He’s nice, isn’t he?”

  I laugh and give her a quick squeeze. What a funny thing to say. Yet, we both know it’s true. “Yes, he is.”

  “Will we see him again?” She turns her head so her face is hidden from me.

  My stomach clenches and I do my best to keep my voice even. “I don’t know, Mandy.”

  “But you want to see him again?” She looks up at me with her big green eyes and I know it this moment Lucifer has stolen my daughter’s heart too. We are both goners.

  “I do.” I really do. I wish he was here this morning to see just how happy he’s made us. “But no matter what, bunny, we will always have last night and today to remember. We had an adventure that we will never forget. We know things are real that other people only dream about. You’ve been to the North Pole!”

  “And Hell.” She smiles up at me. “I really liked Hell.”

  I throw my head back and laugh. It’s an honest to God belly laugh that I haven’t enjoyed for… I can’t remember the last time I laughed like this. Leave it to Mandy and Lucifer. She giggles and sniffles at the same time. I think we’re both feeling the same thing in different ways.

  Rudolph whines and does this weird little prancing before trying to push his head between us. I don’t blame him. Human emotions are hard to understand. And while he seems to think the sun rises and sets with Mandy, he left his family behind. I will not forget that.

  When we finally calm down, I put my hands on her shoulders and hold her so I can see her face. She wipes at her cheeks but is smiling, so I think we’re okay.

  “How does scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, and French toast sound instead of cereal?”

  “Can I have the chocolate cereal tomorrow?” Mandy wheedles.

  “If you eat all your breakfast and dinner.” I boop her nose and let go. If we have this food, I’m not going to let it go to waste. I think making good use of it is the best way to show our thanks, even if no one is watching.

  Then again, if Santa Claus sees us when we’re sleeping and knows when we’re awake, maybe Satan Claus does too.

&
nbsp; Cooking, eating, and taking care of Rudolph take up most of our day. It is a lovely, lazy Christmas spent talking to my family on the phone, hooking up the new game console, and filled with lots of cuddles. The night ends with all of us, and I do mean all of us, in my bed. Mandy is snug in the middle sound asleep while I try to ignore the sounds--and smells--Rudolph is making in his sleep. The sulfur scent is probably never going to wash out of my blankets.

  I hold my snow globe up and give it a shake. My eyes trace the planes of Lucifer's face, but it’s the look in his eyes that hold my attention. In that moment, I was the only thing Lucifer was focusing on. As if the world around us stopped and it was just the two of us and the intense connection that links us. This moment, perfectly preserved, will warm my heart on the hard days ahead.

  The next week is an odd combination of comfort and lingering thoughts. If I have to give this feeling a name I would say… It’s almost like a hangover. How do you follow up such an amazing adventure? Even Mandy seems to be lost in thoughts from times to time. She decides two days after Christmas to send a thank you letter to Lucifer. I’m not sure if it will work like it did with Christmas, but I’m proud of her thoughtfulness, so don’t discourage her. If nothing else, maybe Fuchsia will see it.

  We drop off the letter while walking Rudolph. Despite my worry over having a dog, especially a Hellhound, most people either ignore him or love him. I find myself wondering if the people who seem to ignore Rudolph just don’t have any magic left and the ones who notice him still have a hint in their blood like Mandy and I. Though I’m starting to suspect we might have more than most others or wouldn’t more people see Santa on his deliveries? I also wonder if we will start to see things we didn’t see before. Sadly, I hadn’t thought to ask about those types of things.

  And the fact we have magic is still mind boggling. It’s abundantly obvious that Mandy has a way with animals. But what about me? I mean, I get along with animals and sometimes seem to know things before they happen, but don’t most women have that sort of intuition? Is my magic why people open up to me so easily, willing to tell me their entire life story over a cup of coffee? Come to think of it, my dad has that effect on people. Everyone automatically trusts him, tells him things they would never share with anyone else. Do these gifts come from him, my mother, or maybe both? My mother has a way of whipping together things at the very last minute. Wedding dress ruined? You call Abigail Haliday. If she can’t fix it, she will know who can, or someone who just happens to be selling an unused dress in the perfect size. Yeah, I’m thinking the magic is strong in those two.